Across its health and social care services, Cygnet has been investing in the development of “social hubs”, dedicated communal spaces designed in collaboration with service users to promote engagement, independence and meaningful activity away from the wards.
Unused spaces in hospitals have been given a stunning makeover in an effort to provide service users with a safe space where they could relax and socialise together. The social hubs came about following feedback from patients who said they would benefit from having non-clinical rooms to wind down in. They have all been co-produced, designed and installed by staff and patients working together.
The newly launched hub at Cygnet Kenney House, a 44-bed hospital for women on Wester Hill Road in Oldham, is the latest example of this approach in action.
The new social hub has been entirely co-produced with the women using the service, who played a central role in designing the space. They helped select the colour scheme, furniture and decorations, as well as choosing the activities and equipment available.
The result is a welcoming, modern and highly personalised environment featuring a PlayStation 5, karaoke machine, multi-functional gaming table, board games and even a popcorn machine, creating a space where individuals can relax, socialise and build confidence in a supportive setting.
To celebrate the completion of the project, the service hosted a special opening ceremony attended by staff and service users. The event included speeches from Hospital Manager Jennifer Healey, Operations Director Victor Takadiwa, and a service user, before a ribbon-cutting marked the official launch of the hub.
Jennifer Healey, Hospital Manager at Cygnet Kenney House, said: “This social hub is a fantastic addition to the service and truly reflects the voices of the women we support. It has been inspiring to see how involved they have been in every stage of its creation, from choosing the design to deciding what activities would make the space meaningful for them.
“Spaces like this play a vital role in recovery. They encourage social interaction, help build confidence and provide opportunities for enjoyment and relaxation. We are incredibly proud of what has been achieved together and the positive impact it will have on everyone at Kenney House.”
Victor added: “The introduction of social hubs across Cygnet services reflects the organisation’s wider commitment to creating therapeutic environments that go beyond clinical care, supporting individuals to develop life skills, rebuild confidence and move towards greater independence
“The new hub at Cygnet Kenney House stands as a testament to the power of co-production, demonstrating how involving service users in meaningful decision-making can lead to spaces that truly meet their needs and enrich their daily lives.”